Pump System Research Articles

Triplicate Dynamic Cell Culture Platform for Enhanced Reproducibility in Anti-Cancer Drug Testing.

The development of stable and standardized in vitro cytotoxicity testing models is essential for drug discovery and personalized medicine. Microfluidic technologies, recognized for their small size, reduced reagent consumption, and control over experimental variables, have gained considerable attention. However, challenges associated with external pumps, particularly inconsistencies between individual pumping systems, have limited the real-world application of cancer-on-a-chip technology. This study introduces a novel triplicate cell culture system (Tri-CS) that simultaneously supports dynamic cultures in three independent units using a single peristaltic pump, ensuring consistent flow conditions. Our findings demonstrate that the Tri-CS significantly reduces variability compared to individual pump systems, enhancing the reliability of anticancer drug cytotoxicity testing. Furthermore, we evaluated gemcitabine cytotoxicity, which shows enhanced drug efficacy in dynamic conditions. Fluorescein diffusion tests revealed greater diffusion efficiency in dynamic cultures, which contributed to the higher observed drug efficacy. The potential for broader application of the Tri-CS, including its compatibility with commercially available transwells and the opportunity for use in more complex cancer-on-chip models, positions this system as a valuable tool for advancing microphysiological systems in preclinical research.

Genetic determinants of silver nanoparticle resistance and the impact of gamma irradiation on nanoparticle stability

BackgroundOne of the main issues facing public health with microbial infections is antibiotic resistance. Nanoparticles (NPs) are among the best alternatives to overcome this issue. Silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) preparations are widely applied to treat multidrug-resistant pathogens. Therefore, there is an urgent need for greater knowledge regarding the effects of improper and excessive use of these medications. The current study describes the consequences of long-term exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of AgNPs on the bacterial sensitivity to NPs and the reflection of this change on the bacterial genome.ResultsChemical methods have been used to prepare AgNPs and gamma irradiation has been utilized to produce more stable AgNPs. Different techniques were used to characterize and identify the prepared AgNPs including UV-visible spectrophotometer, Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and Scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed 50–100 nm spherical-shaped AgNPs. Eleven gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial isolates were collected from different wound infections. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of AgNPs against the tested isolates were evaluated using the agar dilution method. This was followed by the induction of bacterial resistance to AgNPs using increasing concentrations of AgNPs. All isolates changed their susceptibility level to become resistant to high concentrations of AgNPs upon recultivation at increasing concentrations of AgNPs. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on selected susceptible isolates of gram-positive Staphylococcus lentus (St.L.1), gram-negative Klebsiella pneumonia (KP.1), and their resistant isolates St.L_R.Ag and KP_R.Ag to detect the genomic changes and mutations.ConclusionsFor the detection of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the identification of all variants (SNPs, insertions, and deletions) in our isolates, the Variation Analysis Service tool available in the Bacterial and Viral Bioinformatics Resource Center (BV-BRC) was used. Compared to the susceptible isolates, the AgNPs-resistant isolates St.L_R.Ag and KP_R.Ag had unique mutations in specific efflux pump systems, stress response, outer membrane proteins, and permeases. These findings might help to explain how single-nucleotide variants contribute to AgNPs resistance. Consequently, strict regulations and rules regarding the use and disposal of nano waste worldwide, strict knowledge of microbe-nanoparticle interaction, and the regulated disposal of NPs are required to prevent pathogens from developing nanoparticle resistance.

Techno-Economic Analysis of Waste Heat Recovery in Automotive Manufacturing Plants

This study proposes an innovative system for recovering waste heat from exhaust air after a regenerative thermal oxidiser process, integrating a Carnot battery and photovoltaic (PV) modules. The Carnot battery incorporates an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) with a recuperator, thermal energy storage (TES), and heat pump. Waste heat is initially captured in TES, with additional energy extracted by a heat pump to increase the temperature of a secondary fluid, effectively charging TES from both direct and indirect sources. The stored heat enables electricity generation via ORC. The result of this study shows a heat pump COP between 2.55 and 2.87, the efficiency of ORC ranging from 0.125 to 0.155, and the power-to-power of the Carnot battery between 0.36 and 0.40. Moreover, PV generates 1.35 GWh annually, primarily powering the heat pump and ORC system pump. The proposed system shows a total annual net generation of 4.30 GWh. Economic evaluation across four configurations demonstrates favourable outcomes, with a return on investment between 25% and 160%. The economic evaluation examined configurations with and without the PV system and recuperation process in the ORC. Results indicate that incorporating the PV system and recuperator significantly increases power output, offering a highly viable and sustainable energy solution.

Comprehensive Analysis and Emission Reduction Pathway of GHG Emissions at a Wastewater Treatment Plant in Suzhou

Taking a sewage treatment plant in Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, as an example, the greenhouse gas （GHG） emissions generated in the sewage treatment system were calculated using the carbon balance method and the emission factor method. The environmental impacts and economic aspects of different treatment units in wastewater treatment plants were analyzed using life cycle assessment, cost-benefit analysis, and data envelopment analysis models, and emission reduction pathways were proposed. The results indicated that the total GHG emissions （in terms of CO2） from a certain municipal wastewater treatment plant in Suzhou were 6 653.08 kg·（104 m3）-1, with direct and indirect GHG emissions accounting for 29.22% and 74%, respectively. The reuse of treated effluent achieved a reduction of 3.3% in emissions. The biological treatment phase and the sludge treatment phase were the main impact stages for GHG emissions at a certain wastewater treatment plant in Suzhou, where the high-power equipment, specifically the blowers used in the biological treatment phase, and the use of polymeric ferric sulfate agents in the sludge treatment phase were the primary factors contributing to GHG emissions. Life cycle assessment analysis revealed that electricity consumption, direct CO2 emissions, pollutant concentration in the effluent, and the use of chemical agents at wastewater treatment plants had negative impacts on global warming, atmospheric acidification, and eutrophication of water bodies. Calculations indicated that for every 10 000 m3 of wastewater treated, the sewage treatment plant achieved a net benefit of 13 630 RMB. However, from April to May 2023, the scale efficiency of the sewage treatment plant was less than 1. This indicates that during this period, the proportion of output increase was less than that of input increase, demonstrating an irrational structure of input-output. After June, through enhancing the overall operational load, advancing technical improvements, and management efforts, the optimization of scale efficiency was achieved. A sewage treatment plant in Suzhou could achieve the goal of being "green and low-carbon" by installing high-efficiency pumps and fans, utilizing solar photovoltaic and water source heat pump systems, and making process improvements.

Feasibility analysis of solar and wind energy-powered irrigation pumping systems using reanalysis data–A case of Thiruvananthapuram district in Kerala, southwest region of India

This study presents a feasibility assessment of solar photovoltaic and wind energy systems for irrigation at three locations (a coastal lowland location named A, a midland location B, and a highland location C) in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, in India’s southwest region. The solar and wind potentials are determined using the National Solar Radiation Database and Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, Version 2 reanalysis data sets, respectively. The technical analyses suggest that site B has the most solar energy potential, while site C has the highest wind energy potential. However, the economic feasibility study reveals that the only suitable location is site B, which has a 10-year simple payback time (SPT). The site has an annual solar energy potential of 1633.85 kWh/kWp, which is enough to pump 3921.24 kL of water to irrigate the majority of crops in one acre.

Synergistic effect in liquid metal heartbeat with high‐efficiency energy conversion

AbstractThe phenomenon of liquid metal “heartbeat” oscillation presents intriguing applications in microfluidic devices, drug delivery, and miniature robotics. However, achieving high vibrational kinetic energy outputs in these systems remains challenging. In this study, we developed a graphite ring electrode with V‐shaped inner wall that enables wide‐ranging control over the oscillation performance based on droplet size and the height of the V‐shape. The mechanism driving the heartbeat is defined as a dynamic process involving the transformation of the oxide layer. Through electrochemical analysis, we confirmed three distinct states of the heartbeat and introduced a novel model to elucidate the role of the V‐shaped structure in initiating and halting the oscillations. A comprehensive series of experiments explored how various factors, such as droplet volume, voltage, tilt angle, and V‐shape height, affect heartbeat performance, achieving a significant conversion from surface energy to vibrational kinetic energy as high as 4732 J m−2 s−1. The increase in energy output is attributed to the synergistic effect of the V‐shape height and droplet size on the oscillations. These results not only advance our understanding of liquid metal droplet manipulation but also pave the way for designing high‐speed microfluidic pumping systems.

Optimization analysis of the performance of a ground source heat pump system based on air conditioning load forecasting

Optimization analysis of the performance of a ground source heat pump system based on air conditioning load forecasting

Residential heat pump and air conditioning systems with propane (R290) refrigerant: Technology review and future perspectives

Residential heat pump and air conditioning systems with propane (R290) refrigerant: Technology review and future perspectives

Multi-objective optimization on combined heat pump and mechanical vapor recompression system for waste heat recovery of offshore wind power converter

Multi-objective optimization on combined heat pump and mechanical vapor recompression system for waste heat recovery of offshore wind power converter

Investigating the potential of geothermal heat pump and precision air supply system for heat stress abatement in dairy cattle barns.

Maintaining an optimal indoor thermal environment is crucial for enhancing the welfare and productivity of livestock in intensive breeding farms. This paper investigated the application of a combined geothermal heat pump with a precision air supply (GHP-PAS) system for cooling dairy cows on a dairy farm. The effectiveness of the GHP-PAS system in mitigating heat stress in lactating dairy cattle, along with its energy performance and local cooling efficiency in the free stalls were evaluated. A total of 140 multiparous lactating Holstein cows was tested in two groups. One group was housed in a barn equipped with a GHP-PAS system (GP barn, n=70), and the other was housed in a barn with a conventional fan-sprinkling system (FS barn, n=70). Results showed that the ambient temperature of both GP and FS barns were lower than that outside the barn (P<0.05), with no significant difference between the GP and FS barns (P>0.05). Compared to cows in the FS barn, those in the GP barn exhibited lower skin temperature, rectal temperature, and respiratory rate (P<0.05). The mean temperature difference between outflow and inflow water was 2.56°C of the GHP unit. The average energy efficiency ratios (EER) of the GHP unit and the GHP-PAS system were 5.03 and 2.92, respectively. The daily average electricity consumption was 20.4±1.0 kWh. The field test results indicated that the airflow from a single nozzle of the GHP-PAS system effectively covered a stall space with an average width of 1.84m at a cow reclining height of 0.5m, with an average air velocity of 1m/s. The per-cow hourly electricity consumption for cooling was 2.04 kWh for the GHP-PAS system and 0.36 kWh for the FS system, highlighting that the GHP-PAS system is approximately 5.6 times more energy-intensive than the FS system. In conclusion, the GHP-PAS system showed the potential for alleviating heat stress in dairy cows. Further research is needed to enhance the energy efficiency and cooling effectiveness of the current GHP-PAS system.

Thermodynamic performance of organic rankine cycle based pumped thermal energy storage system with different working fluids.

In the context of global efforts toward energy transition and carbon neutrality, thermal integrated pumped thermal energy storage (TIPTES) systems, especially those utilizing low-grade heat sources, have garnered significant attention due to their large capacity, flexibility, and environmental advantages. This paper explores a TIPTES system that harnesses industrial waste heat as a heat source. The system's heat pump (HP) subcycle and Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) subcycle are equipped with regenerators to optimize system configuration and enhance efficiency. Five working fluids-R245fa, isobutane, isopentane, MM, and R1336mzz(Z)-are selected for analysis based on parametric evaporation temperature (T 1) and thermal storage temperature (T 8).Parameter analysis results reveal that both round-trip efficiency (η ptp) and exergy efficiency (η ex) increase with rising T 1, with the system using MM demonstrating optimal performance: at T1 of 70°C, η ptp reaches 71.34%, and η ex is 37.42%. The η ptp for each system decreases as T8 increases, with the isobutane-based system showing the slowest decline; η ptp remains relatively unaffected by T 8, while η ex for the isobutane- and R245fa-based systems initially decreases and then increases with rising T 8.Key system parameters-T 1, T 8, and cold thermal storage temperature (T 7)-are further analyzed in a single-objective optimization focused on round-trip efficiency. Results indicate that the isopentane-based system performs optimally at T 8 of 388.65K, T 7 of 359.15K, and T 1 of 338.15K, achieving a maximum round-trip efficiency of 71.60%. This study offers theoretical insights to support the future development and application of TIPTES systems.

Design and Operation of Hybrid Ground Source Heat Pump Systems: A Review

Design and Operation of Hybrid Ground Source Heat Pump Systems: A Review

Impact of ambient temperature and humidity on the performance of a novel anti-frosting air source heat pump system

Impact of ambient temperature and humidity on the performance of a novel anti-frosting air source heat pump system

Solar-powered pumping at a remote denitrifying bioreactor.

Pumping surface water from a ditch into a denitrifying woodchip bioreactor could improve nitrate-nitrogen (N) removal by minimizing flow variabilities such as early flow cessation at a given subsurface drainage outlet and flashy drainage hydrographs. Few field-scale subsurface drainage bioreactors with pumping configurations have been assessed. Such evaluations would help better bound reasonable expectations of the benefits and drawbacks at these more advanced bioreactors. An underloaded "ditch diversion" bioreactor constructed in 2018 in Illinois, USA (LW: 4.6×9.1m), was retrofitted with a solar-powered pumping system in 2021 and was then monitored for a 29-d period in 2022 and a 93-d period in 2023. The pumped bioreactor achieved N removal rates averaging 7.5 and 5.2gN/m3-d and N removal efficiencies of 50 and 61% for the monitoring periods in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Pumping generally improved the bioreactor's performance compared to the same monitoring windows from the historic (non-pumped) 2019-2021 periods. Regression analysis indicated the addition of a pump slightly improved N load removal compared to what might be expected for a conventional bioreactor. The somewhat unintended diurnal batch mode operation resulting from the solar-powered pumping system boosted water temperature in the overnight batches. Bioreactor performance can be improved with a pump, especially at underloaded sites, but the additional complexity and cost need to be carefully weighed.

Performance investigation of a solar-assisted ground source heat pump system coupled with novel offset pipe energy piles and solar PVT collectors for cold climate applications

Performance investigation of a solar-assisted ground source heat pump system coupled with novel offset pipe energy piles and solar PVT collectors for cold climate applications

Impact of the motion effect of the cutoff facility on the dynamic energy loss of the prototype axial flow pump system during the startup process

Impact of the motion effect of the cutoff facility on the dynamic energy loss of the prototype axial flow pump system during the startup process

Optimization of design parameters and operation conditions of solar-air source heat pump coupled system for rural buildings in cold and severe cold regions

Integrating solar energy utilization into air source heat pump heating systems can effectively cut down on energy consumption. However, the complexity of coupled systems poses a challenge to system performance optimization. In this paper, a solar-air source heat pump coupled system designed for heating in cold (Beijing) and severe cold (Changchun) regions is developed and analyzed by TRNSYS software. Response surface methodology (RSM) is employed to establish regression models for different performance indicators, and then the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II) is adopted to solve the multi-objective optimization of interactive performance parameters through Pareto optimal solution set. The regression models of the performance indicators, i.e., the energy consumption (P), the solar energy assurance rate (Ar) and the ratio of heating supply from solar energy storage tank to building load (Hs), are found to be closely related to the area of solar collectors (A) and the volumes of storage tanks (Vl for solar collector loop and Vs for ASHP loop). The obtained Pareto set successfully balances the optimal values of interactive performance indicators. In cold regions, P, Ar, Hs of the coupled system can be improved respectively by 31.79%, 33.00% and 40.07% compared to the single air source heat pump system. While in severe cold regions, these improvements are 16.25%, 15.35% and 28.38%, respectively. The design method and optimization procedure of this study provide a basis for the optimization of the solar and auxiliary heat source coupled heating systems.

Hybrid optimization method for optimal site selection and sizing of a hybrid photovoltaic water pumping/diesel/battery system.

In this paper, a hybrid optimization method based on a technique for order of preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) is used for the simultaneous site selection and sizing of a hybrid photovoltaic (PV) water pumping/diesel generator energy system. Various sites in Iran are analyzed for the establishment of the photovoltaic water pumping power plants. Key geographical and climatic criteria are used for optimal site selection across different sites. Following this, technical and economic optimization of the hybrid energy scheme is conducted with the aim of maximizing reliability and minimizing costs to meet the water requirements for a 12-ha grain field and a household. The optimal number of components, including solar panels, batteries, converters, and diesel generators, are determined. Additionally, the role of an energy storage device (battery) is carefully evaluated with respect to key parameters such as initial investment cost and fuel consumption rate of the proposed hybrid systems. The results indicate that Sarayan in South Khorasan province, Beydokht 2 in Razavi Khorasan province, and Jajrom in North Khorasan province are the most suitable locations for establishing photovoltaic water pumping systems. Moreover, the optimal sizing of the three proposed hybrid energy systems (1.PV/Diesel/Battery, 2.PV/Diesel, and 3. PV/Battery) reveals that the PV/Diesel/Battery hybrid system offers the lowest costs and highest reliability. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is conducted on component prices, interest rates, and fuel prices to examine the results.

A novel dynamic operation method for solar assisted air source heat pump systems: Optimization control and performance analysis

A novel dynamic operation method for solar assisted air source heat pump systems: Optimization control and performance analysis

The Optimal Ratio of the Temperature Differences for Heat Transfer in Evaporator and Condenser

In the design of a refrigeration / heat pump system, the selections of the temperature differences for heat transfer (i.e., in the evaporator it is the temperature difference between the low temperature heat source and the refrigerant, and in the condenser, between the refrigerant and the high temperature heat source) are based on some kind of “rule of thumb”. To be more scientifically in the design, this paper presents the optimal ratio of the temperature differences for heat transfer in the evaporator and in the condenser, from the second law (the entropy or the exergy) analysis. That is the optimal ratio is the ratio of the temperatures of the high-temperature heat source (heat sink) and the low-temperature heat source (heat source). This finding is called “You’s Principle”.